Pioneer set to release AVIC-X3 GPS entertainment system in Europe

Those looking for a few more distractions than the ordinary GPS / PMP device has to offer may want to consider Pioneer's new AVIC-X3 unit, which looks like it should please even the most demanding car-dweller. Up front and center on this one is a 7-inch touchscreen which, in addition to displaying the usual GPS information, can also be used a display for the integrated DVD player (which'll handle DivX files stored on a CD-R or DVD-R as well). Otherwise, you'll get real time traffic information from the built-in TMC receiver, along with 1.5 million points of interest for 26 European countries. If the standard fare isn't enough to keep you busy, you can also make use of various optional cables and accessory to hook up an iPod, a video game console, additional screens, or a rear view camera. No word on price, but it'll apparently be available in Europe sometime in September.

[Via Akihabara News]

[Gizmo @ Aug 15th 2007 4:43PM]

but does it play doom?

[adam @ Aug 15th 2007 4:57PM]

it does if you hook any console up to it :)

[Gizmo @ Aug 15th 2007 4:57PM]

but seriously, i live in new zealand and if and i mean if it ever came here i would need to sell both my kidneys and probably my liver to buy one. looks like its trying to be all things to all people though.

[Mark @ Aug 15th 2007 5:01PM]

Why not simply build a Car PC if you have the knowhow?

[Zach @ Aug 15th 2007 6:04PM]

Mark, can a CarPC do GPS? If so, I'm hopin on it :)

But anyways, I can't see the point of spending $2000 for a product like this. At least, I know in my car, the LCD screen won't be able to come out thanks to the stupid shifter thats in the way.

[lucidgroove @ Aug 15th 2007 6:21PM]

PC can do it with M$ Mappoint w/ GPS locator. http://www.microsoft.com/mappoint/products/2006/default.mspx

[Jay @ Aug 15th 2007 7:04PM]

If you're seriously considering a car PC, I have posted a link below. You should be able to find everything you need including GPS.

I have yet to use their software but that also seems top notch.

http://www.mp3car.com/

[Matt @ Aug 15th 2007 10:32PM]

I bought the AVIC-N1 when it first came out. There's a serious downside to these units: upgrading the software costs up to $400. That's a new set of discs each year. That includes updating the maps with new roads, changed roads, removed roads, new points of interest, etc. My unit currently does not have my home on it, or the street it's on, or the 2 streets beyond that I take to get back onto the first main road it lists.

I've seen rumors of being able to flash the firmware/software from N1 to the N3 model, but as of yet can find nothing short of buying a replacement.

[Mikew @ Sep 2nd 2007 11:42PM]

I think it's unfair to single this unit out because the new maps cost money. This is true in any aftermarket or OEM system if you want the latest maps. Some manufacturers won't even release new maps. You probably live out far from most people if you are not on the maps. This unit has among the most number of POIs of any GPS system.